You guys are probably sick of hearing about Belle and her meds haha but I just have one last question (or two).

Today was the last day I was to give Belle meds (including the extra day to make up for me only giving her half a dose the first two days ) but there is still enough for maybe one or two more doses in the bottle. The vet gave me a mix of water and meds so should I give her the rest until it is done to make sure she has it all or should I just stop now?

Second question - On the last day I finally got around to buying some apple juice to give to Belle while giving her meds and I noticed she took them a little easier than before (must have tasted less nasty ) and she is beginning to get used to me holding her and syringe feeding her. I was wondering if it would be okay for her health if I was to give her a mix of water and apple once a week from now on to get her used to being held like that and being syringe fed for future occasions because when I took her to the vet last time when the vet tried to hold her even she struggled to keep a grip so I don't even want to think about what it will be like when it comes to getting her nails trimmed. I'd like your thoughts on this please as I don't want to do it if it will make her sick. I mean like 0.25ml of apple with 0.25ml of water, so only 0.5ml and only once a week. Thanks in advance guys

TH004

261 posts

8/05/2012 12:41 PM

My vet actually suggested that I do something like that (apple/water syringe feeding) to teach my rabbit how to take the syringe before ever getting sick. I think it is smart. Just know it is a treat! Once a week should be fine.

Personally, I finish meds for the most part. My vet now gives me a lot of meds at a time when I go in for GI Stasis (my current buns goes into stasis a lot). The purpose is for me to save it for next time. However, if I ever got a buns treated for something and got an antibiotic or something, I finished it.

TH004

261 posts

8/05/2012 12:45 PM

On nail trimming, my buns now won't stand being held on his back. It works best for me to hold him with his back against my chest, with one hand under the front paws and one under his butt. He feels safe then. My hubby then cuts his nails. We talk to him a lot during it, saying good boy. He also gets a treat afterward.

My first buns would let me put her in a bunny burrito (think of how you wrap an infant) and I would take out a foot at a time to trim. It takes trial and error!

IsabellaRobynScotland

526 posts

8/05/2012 12:47 PM

Okay thanks for the help . Yeah it is a bottle of antibiotics and just enough for this time so I will just finish it. It's interesting to know that your vet suggested it - I now feel unjustifiably pleased with myself for thinking of it haha!

IsabellaRobynScotland

526 posts

8/05/2012 12:49 PM

Oh just saw the second reply. I tried bunny burritoing Belle to give her meds the first day but she would just jump out of it straight away and ended up causing more stress for both of us but I guess when it comes to nail trimming I'll have to try a few methods

RabbitPamSouth Florida

Forum Leader

11065 posts

8/06/2012 3:58 AM

I would finish the meds if it was only for this one time. (I also had a bottle of different meds once that the vet intended for me to keep in the fridge for the next time.) Since she didn't take it well at first, it probably is a bit extra but also she may not have the full days' worth in her system. Many illnesses have a reoccurance because the meds were stopped too soon.

It may help to syringe feed water and apple juice to get her used to it, but my concern is if she were to aspirate the liquid, which is very bad for a bunny. If it's an association with the syringe that you're trying to make positive, I would use very little in the syringe. I think if she takes it well once, I wouldn't keep doing it.

SPIKE, my snuggle bunny (aka Spikey Marbles)

IsabellaRobynScotland

526 posts

8/06/2012 4:49 AM

What does aspirate the liquid mean? It's more a mix of getting her used to being held and the syringe. She doesn't take it well yet because she still wriggles and tries to get away when I try and I'd like her to learn that it's not a bad thing

LittlePuffyTailNew Brunswick, Canada

Forum Leader

16112 posts

8/07/2012 1:12 AM

Aspirate is when they get the liquid into their lungs. It can happen if you squirt too much liquid in a bunny's mouth without letting them swallow. Meds have to be given very slowly and carefully. If they do aspirate, it can cause pneumonia and can be fatal.

Proud to be a Bunny Hugger and a voice for the voiceless

IsabellaRobynScotland

526 posts

8/07/2012 2:37 AM

Oh okay :S Well if I do do it then I'll only give her a tiny bit in the syringe Thanks for the advice!